HOW THE TĀ-VĀ THEORY OF REALITY CONSTRUCTS A SPATIAL EXPOSITION OF SAMOAN ARCHITECTURE

Authors

Albert L. Refiti, Auckland University of TechnologyFollow

Abstract

This essay deals with a spatial exposition of Hufanga ʻOkusitino Māhina theory of tā-vā in which I argue that traditional Pacific concepts are recharged and extended by Māhina to create a new branch in Pacific Thought. I show that there is a consistency in the tā-vā theory of reality if one were to diagram its main tenets and, by doing so, enables the exposition of parts that sketch-out an overall form of theory. I also argue that doing theory is important to Pacific Thought because it allows for traditions and customs to be coiled-up into concepts allowing them to be carried in a “tool box” as theory, then unpack, operate, and perform with them when required. In this way, Pacific concepts and ideas are important as tools to be used in new places and situations allowing our lived traditions to produce new ideas and concepts.

Recommended Citation

Refiti, Albert L. (2017) "HOW THE TĀ-VĀ THEORY OF REALITY CONSTRUCTS A SPATIAL EXPOSITION OF SAMOAN ARCHITECTURE," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 40: No. 1, Article 13.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol40/iss1/13